Ruh-roh, August is here and that means the end of summer is in sight. Now before you brace yourself for months of rain, you might as well get out there and have a last hurrah of Seattle and Washington’s most beautiful days. Of course, we have plenty of ideas for you. So here are 31 things you have to do in and around Seattle before summer is over.
Outdoors
Check out a bucket list camping spot
Camping has to be just about one of the most classically PNW activities out there. It’s also in its prime during the summer months so you might as well take the time to explore the great outdoors. From island campsites to fire lookouts. our bucket-list camping guide has you covered.
Where: Click above to see our picks
What’s a better way to spend a day with friends than playing mini-golf? Seattle has some pretty great spots for you to check out regardless of if you’ve ever played before. You’ll have so much fun that it might just become a regular outing for you.
Where: Click above to see our picks
We’re all about those stunning summer hikes. Especially the ones with super fun features at the end like Denny Creek’s natural waterslide. No need to line up at the water park when you can just slide to your heart’s content right in nature. Get ready for your new favorite hike.
Where: Denny Creek
This is your chance to stroll through seven acres of brilliantly colored sunflowers and take one bloom home. You’ll also be able to enjoy other u-pick flowers along with all sorts of family-friendly activities like zip lines, a chalk truck, and even a low ropes course. It’s sure to be fun for folks of all ages.
When: Various dates through August 14th-September 19th
Where: Maris Farms, 25001 Sumner Buckley Hwy Buckley, WA
Cost: GA $18
Hike through fields of wildflowers
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Want those Sound of Music vibes? Well, you can get pretty close at some of Washington’s best wildflower bloom sites. Now as you know, those blooms don’t last all summer so we recommend getting out to see them ASAP. After all, your Insta feed could probably use a pic or two.
Where: Click here to see our picks
Taking a trip to the islands is always a good idea if you ask us. You can go as far or as close to town as you’d like and riding the ferry is always great fun. Just imagine standing up there on the top deck, wind in your hair, taking in the stunning sound views. Pretty idyllic if you ask us.
When: Service daily
Where: 801 Alaskan Way
Cost: Varies by route
Explore Lake Washington on kayaks
Agua Verde is one of the coolest spots to dine right on the lake but they also happen to offer some pretty sweet boat rentals. You can rent a kayak or paddleboard by the hour depending on your preferences. You and your sweetie can rip around on kayaks in Lake Union or head over towards the Arboretum for an unforgettable nature experience.
When: Monday-Friday 10 am-8 pm, Saturday 9 am-8 pm, Sunday 9 am-6 pm
Where: 1307 NE Boat St
Cost: $21+
Of course, going to the beach is on our summer bucket list. Whether you want to just chill by the water, check out a lake, or the sound, we’ve got you covered with some of our favorite spots. Just don’t forget your towel, bathing suit, and some SPF.
Where: Click above to see our picks
Perhaps the highlight of PNW summers is ending them with some amazing berry picking. There are tons of farms offering u pick blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and more. You can pick to your heart’s content and get farm-fresh berries for a screaming deal. Just remember to freeze and save some for winter.
Where: Click above to see our favorite farms
Enjoy some sunny day activities
Sunny days are here and if you like to plan ahead you might want to map out your next free day. Luckily there’s a ton to do in Seattle when the sun is shining and what’s best of all is that most of it is free. Don’t worry, we made a list of our top picks for you.
Where: Click above to see our picks
Play mini-golf at the Olympic Sculpture Park
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Have you ever thought that the Olympic Sculpture Park would be the perfect spot to tee up? Well if so, your dreams are about to come true because Par-Tee in the Park is happening this month and you don’t want to miss it. Not only do you get to experience golfing in one of Seattle’s most scenic parks but you also get to support the Seattle Art Museum.
When: August 19th-24th
Where: 2901 Western Ave
Cost: $100-$250
Art and Culture
Take a walk at the Olympic Sculpture Park
Summer is the time to explore our city’s stunning Olympic Sculpture Park. You can check out some amazing local and international artist’s works and also get an amazing view of the sound. If you’re really feeling it afterward, walk down Myrtle Edward’s trail for some extra views.
When: Open daily 30 minutes prior to sunrise and closes 30 minutes after sunset
Where: 2901 Western Avenue
Cost: Free
Seattle Deconstructed Art Fair
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There might not be a Seattle Art Fair this summer but there is the deconstructed version. This year there are over 50 galleries participating and you can visit them all on your own time online and in-person from August 5th-31st. Who knows, you might just come home with a piece or two.
When: August 5th-31st, Starts with First Thursday Artwalk August 5th
Where: Participating galleries around Seattle
Cost: Free
Seattle Public Libraries Adult Summer Bingo is back and better than ever! This year’s summer reading board has book slots like small press, QTBIPOC, Black joy, and more. We highly recommend participating as it’s a great way to check out new books. Plus if you finish your board you can mail it in to the library for a chance to win prizes.
When: Until September 7th
SAM Performs: Pop-Up at The Park
This pop-up gives you the chance to listen to live tunes in one of Seattle’s most beautiful parks. Each Thursday you’ll be able to hear live music from local artists. It’s a great way to end the week and sure to introduce you to some new artists. Don’t miss out!
When: Every Thursday until August 12th
Where: 2901 Western Ave
Cost: Free
If you’re looking for an outdoor, immersive lights display this summer, LUSIO is for you. The display encourages visitors to explore and play among art installations of all shapes, sizes, and formats. What’s extra cool about this event is the fact that it’s totally free!
When: August 27th-29th
Where: Mary Olson Farm, 28728 Green River Rd Kent, WA
Cost: Free
Drive-in Movies at Marymoor Park
If you want a break from your regular old streaming you should check out drive-in movies at Marymoor Park. You can watch tons of movies ranging from feel-good classics to kid’s movies and more. Now that the good weather is here to stay, it’s the perfect time to get back into outdoor movie-going so be sure to check it out.
When: Until August 26th
Where: 6046 West Lake Sammamish Parkway NE Redmond, WA
Cost: $30 per carload
Check out a brand new music festival
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Day In Day Out Festival is brought to you by Daydream State, the folks behind things like Capitol Hill Block Party, Neumos, Barboza, and Block Party Presents. That fact alone lets you know that the folks here know what they’re doing. And with this festival, they’re going for a “mix-tape-inspired experience to close out the summer”. You’ll be able to see CHVRCHES, Kaytranada, Big Wild, Aminé, STRFKR, Travis Thompson, PARISALEXA, Chong The Nomad, Blu DeTiger, and DAISY
When: September 4th & 5th
Where: Fisher Green Pavilion, 305 Harrison St
Cost: $80-$200 plus fees
Woodinville’s coolest winery, Chateau Ste Michelle just so happens to have an amazing outdoor concert series coming up that you don’t want to miss. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy some great glasses and bottles of wine while tuning into artists like Fitz & The Tantrums, Train, and Chris Isaak. If you’re really feeling it, you can even see multiple concerts.
When: August 20th-September 19th
Where: 14111 NE 145th Street, Woodinville, WA
Cost: Varies by artist
Food & Drink
Live music and food at Pier 62
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If you’re looking for the perfect way to unwind after work on Fridays, we have just the solution for you. That is KEXP’s Beats & Eats series which allows you to enjoy food and music between the city and Puget Sound. Each week you’ll be able to hear from different KEXP DJs as they spin live.
When: Each Friday until September 9th
Where: Pier 62, 1951 Alaskan Way
Cost: Free/Varies
Ice cream is one of our favorite treats to enjoy during the summer. It’s one of the best ways to cool down after a long summer day. Luckily, Seattle has so many amazing spots to grab ice cream with locations all over the city. Of course, we made a whole list for you guys.
Where: Click above to see our picks
At the end of the day, chances are that you could use a drink and maybe even a view. If that’s the case then we recommend heading to one of the city’s many amazing rooftop patios to unwind. As always we have a few picks and suggestions to help you guys out.
Where: Click above to see our picks
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Seattle has a lot of waterfronts and a lot of restaurants so you know what that means. We have a great selection of waterfront dining spots that you can check out no matter what kind of food you’re in the mood for. You don’t even have to ask, we already made a list of selections for you.
Where: Click above to see our picks
Waterfront dining is a must in summer and one of our favorite places to do it is at Taylor Shellfish Farm’s Chuckanut Drive restaurant. It’s a cute but no-frills spot where you buy your oysters and shuck them yourself at one of the outside picnic tables. It’s a tasty and unforgettable experience that you should have this summer.
Where: 2182 Chuckanut Drive
Hours: Daily 10 am-Sunset
Food trucks are always a go in our books. If you feel the same then you definitely don’t want to miss out on Phinney Food Truck Fridays. You can enjoy eats from places like Sam Choy’s Poke to the Max, Panda Dim Sum, Bumbu Truck, Bean Fish Taiyaki, Delfino’s Pizza, Kiss My Grits, Falafel Salam, Seoul Bowl, and Off the Rez. It’s sure to be delicious.
When: Friday’s through August 27th
Where: 6615 Dayton Ave N
Cost: Varies
Looking to experience the CID? One of the best ways to do that is through the amazing and diverse food and restaurants that the neighborhood has to offer. From 10 am-4 pm you can enjoy local eats in Hing Hay Park and also win some prizes. Get out there and support the neighborhood and treat yourself to some new eats!
When: August 28th
Where: Hing Hay Park, S King St, and Maynard Ave S
Cost: Varies
Major Attractions
Splash to your heart’s content at Wild Waves
When was the last time you went to a water park? It’s probably been way longer than any of us even realize. So change that this summer and head to Washington’s most classic water park. Wild Waves is fun for people of all ages and isn’t too far out of the city. Just be sure to get your tickets ahead of time.
When: Daily
Where: 36201 Enchanted Pkwy S, Federal Way, WA
Cost: Season pass $69+, Single-day ticket $39.99+
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If you’ve been meaning to hit the water, there’s no better way to do it than with Argosy Cruises. Seattle’s favorite cruise line is back with select tours for you to enjoy. You can learn facts about Seattle’s past and present and also see amazing views from the water. It’s a great thing to do solo or with friends and family.
When: Wednesday-Sunday until July 18th, Daily July 19th-September 6th
Where: 1101 Alaskan Way Pier 55, Suite 201
Cost: $33+
Sure you might be used to the great wheel as part of the skyline at this point but when you think about it, it’s pretty dang cool that we have a waterfront ferris wheel. That being said, the ferris wheel is one of the most amazing places to catch a sunset in the city. So if you want to change up your view, definitely go for a ride.
When: Friday & Saturday:11 am-10 pm, Sundays 11 am-8 pm, Monday-Thursday 12 pm-8 pm
Where: 1301 Alaskan Way
Cost: $15
Other
Summer is the best time for dates, the world is truly your oyster when it comes to the possibilities for things that you can do. Of course, planning dates can take a lot of time and effort so we thought we’d help you guys out with some ideas. Whether it’s your first or hundredth date, we’ve got you covered.
Where: Click above to see our picks
Take to the skies with Kenmore Air
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Yea you probably won’t be doing this on a first date. But if you’re really looking to wow your SO or maybe even pop the question, this is a great way to do so. You can choose from a whole host of different airborne tours and they aren’t as expensive as you think they might be.
When: Flights daily
Where: Three terminals across Seattle
Cost: $75+
If you thought the rest of the Seattle summer was looking dull, this list of ideas will surely prove you wrong. We hope that you all get out there and have some fun. Enjoy the last days of summer folks!
